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Anran Zhao
I am a Ph.D candidate who is passionate about quantitative analysis of educational data. I have experience in analysing international large-scale assessment data, factor analysis as well as item response theory.
Education
PhD. Candidate, Education
The University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Current - 2017
- The research topic focuses on the plausible causes in differential performance: The case of Shanghai vs. New Zealand on PISA 2012. Two hypotheses were raised: a) the elite status of Shanghai population is not comparable with a country; b) students from Shanghai exhibit higher test-taking motivation for a test that is not personally relevant but high-stakes for their country.
MA, Education
China Agricultural University
Beijing, China
2015 - 2013
- Thesis: A comparison of art curriculumn between China and the United States in K12
BA, Engineering
China Agricultural University
Beijing, China
2013 - 2009
- Designed a family dairy farm plan
BA, Economics (minor)
China Agricultural University
Beijing, China
2013 - 2009
- Course-based
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Quant Dare
The University of Auckland
2020 - 2020
- Multivariate data analysis and data visulisation for creative school index.
Research Assistant
N/A
The University of Auckland
2020 - 2020
- Systematic literature searches, compling spreadsheets of contents for a review study on teaching and learning of writing
Research Assistant
Quant Dare
The University of Auckland
2018 - 2018
- Independently analyzed statistical models of students’ conceptions of assessment inventory for Portuguese higher education institution data.
Teaching Experience
I enjoy teaching. The interaction that happens in class is intelectually stimulating and rewarding.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
N/A
The University of Auckland
2020 - 2018
- Leading tutorial sessions for an advanced statistical analysis in education cource EDUC 706 for three semesters
Selected Publications, Posters, and Talks
The Impact of Stakes on Students’ Test-taking Motivation
The ITC 12th Conference on Tests and Testing
N/A
2021
- Talk accepted but canciled due to COVID-19. Will move to Zoom meeting in 2021.
Propensity Score Matching and Its Application in PISA
The Psychological Studies in Education and Social Work
N/A
2020
- Focuses on causal inferences from observational data and the usage of propensity score matching
The Influence of Stakes on Students’ Test-taking Motivation: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Shanghai
Doctoral and Postgraduate Symposium
N/A
2019
- Students’ conceptions of assessment influences their test-taking motivation
- Students reported high levels of effort expenditure regardless of test-taking stakes.